What is the major source for mortality for the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia Muta?
muta does not appear to rely on its photosynthetic symbionts for nutrition, and they are considered commensals. Unrelated to cyclic bleaching is a pathogenic condition of X. muta called “sponge orange band” that can result in the death of the sponge.
What does the giant barrel sponge eat?
The Giant Barrel Sponge is a filter feeder, which means that it feeds on particles collected by pumping water through its body. There are several choanocytes or flagellated cells that line the internal cavity of the sponge. These cells filter the incoming food particles, particularly microscopic bacteria.
How old are barrel sponges?
Giant barrel sponges, like all sponges, are attached to the reef surface and are unable to move. Like most sponges, this species has a glass-like skeleton. Sponges make up one of the oldest, most primitive groups of animals on Earth. Sponges have existed for at least 500 million years.
Can sea sponges get sick?
Sea Sponge Irritation Symptoms In cases with large body exposure to certain sponges, patients may develop, fever, chills, dizziness, muscle cramps and nausea. Severe cases can also develop erythema multiforme, a type of skin condition requiring medical care.
What is the smallest sponge?
The smallest sponge is Leucosolenia. It is 2.5 centimetres (one inch) or less in length.
Where are Xestospongia testudinaria found in the world?
This is one of the reasons our group chose Xestospongia testudinaria for our project, along with the lack of research that has been done on this species. This species is found in the Philippines, Australia, western and central Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Malaya and New Caledonia.
How big is the barrel of a Xestospongia?
This species is maroon to pink, with the opening of the barrel pale white. Specimens are often found emerging from an apparent common base. In the intertidal zones, this species ranges from 10 to 20 cm in diameter, and are about 10 to 20 cm tall.
Where are the eggs found in the Xestospongia muta?
Eggs are found in gelatinous masses and are negatively buoyant; sperm are positively buoyant and float in a cloud in the water. Larvae are believed to be lecithotrophic and they have chemical defenses against predators. Eggs may disperse great distances from their parent sponges.
This is one of the reasons our group chose Xestospongia testudinaria for our project, along with the lack of research that has been done on this species. This species is found in the Philippines, Australia, western and central Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Malaya and New Caledonia.
This species is maroon to pink, with the opening of the barrel pale white. Specimens are often found emerging from an apparent common base. In the intertidal zones, this species ranges from 10 to 20 cm in diameter, and are about 10 to 20 cm tall.
Eggs are found in gelatinous masses and are negatively buoyant; sperm are positively buoyant and float in a cloud in the water. Larvae are believed to be lecithotrophic and they have chemical defenses against predators. Eggs may disperse great distances from their parent sponges.
